Wanderu Logo
Canada flag
  • Canada
US$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Chicago to Wisconsin Dells train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Chicago - Wisconsin Dells Train Schedule

Train
Amtrak Empire Builder
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
3:05 PM
ChicagoChicago (Union Station), Illinois
6:42 PM
Wisconsin Dells100 LaCrosse St
from US$34.00

Trip Summary

There are 2 daily trains from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells. Traveling by train from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells usually takes around 3 hours and 37 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance163 mi (262 km)
Fastest train3h 37m
Lowest priceUS$28.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Nyambayar

December 6, 2022- Business

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Good enough. Enjoy and happiness. Cons: service.

5.0

Lawrence

July 17, 2019- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder

Cons: Directions to the terminals, we were sent to the one side of the terminal, but it was for boarding of sleep car passengers only. The side we were supposed to go to was a further distance and then we waited in a long line to go back to the other side of the station where we had left. No clear communication of what car to board, a lot of miscommunication in the heat. No instructions about parking. It would be nice to have a heads up on parking availability and actual boarding information. Tips: Plan to be to Union Station 30-45 minutes early if you're parking.

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells?

In the last month, US$39.38 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around US$41.36 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

US$90US$60US$30AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells will range from US$30 to US$80. If you're planning to travel by train to Wisconsin Dells in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Chicago you can find in the next 7 days is US$33. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

US$100US$80US$60US$40US$20MJJASONDJFMA

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only US$42,

If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$88 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$75US$60US$45US$30US$153020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Wisconsin Dells from Chicago will be about CUS$41.36 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells?

Amtrak Empire Builder is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Wisconsin Dells. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Empire Builder23h 38mUS$50.89

  • The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Chicago and Wisconsin Dells is approximately 163 miles, or 262 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 37 minutes,

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Trains departing from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 3:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Wisconsin Dells with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Wisconsin Dells to Chicago.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells, WI, US - WDL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Wisconsin Dells is a city on the Wisconsin River, where you can see glacier-carved sandstone formations. It made a name for itself as a destination for family-friendly activities, offering multiple theme parks like Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park and Noah's Ark Water Park. Aside from having some of the best and most thrilling water parks in the US, Wisconsin Dells is also popular for its natural scenery. The Mirror Lake State Park, a forested reserve surrounding a lake, is popular for hiking, walking, and camping. There are also spots for history and architecture, like the Seth Peterson Cottage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Museum of Historic Torture Devices.

Although it's popular as a kid-centric destination, Wisconsin Dells also offers exciting nightlife and fun activities for adults. You can check out the Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino or visit some of their interactive gaming exhibits. The Wilderness Resort and Kalahari Resort in the city have indoor mini-golf courses, and there are spots for outdoor golf open during the summer. Due to the different resorts in the city, you can also enjoy spas, restaurants, antique shops, and more. The city is home to wineries and craft breweries.

You can easily access Wisconsin Dells by train or bus, provided by Amtrak Empire Builder and OurBus, respectively.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in Wisconsin Dells?

Main arrival station: 100 LaCrosse St

Wisconsin Dells has one train station.

Train stations in Wisconsin Dells:

  • 100 LaCrosse St

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Wisconsin Dells. Download here

Related reading

Need a return trip from Wisconsin Dells to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from Wisconsin Dells

    Check out these popular routes

    Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

    With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

    Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

    Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

    iPhone
    Android
    Available on iOS & Android